Six alleged drug dealers arrested in Luton after police raid five addresses across town

Police today (Tuesday) executed warrants at five addresses across the town.

During the operation, officers found large amounts of suspected cocaine, as well as a taser.

As a result, four men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, while another man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

All currently remain in police custody for questioning.

Intelligence shared by European police agencies allowed investigators to understand the business of organised criminals using the "Encrochat" system and showed the scale of organised crime across multiple countries.

Today's raids follow several other drug crackdowns - all part of Bedfordshire Police's Operation Costello.

Detective Chief Inspector Louisa Glynn said: “This is one of the biggest and most important organised crime operations we have ever carried out as a force, as we continue to crackdown on those who we suspect to be involved in county-lines drug dealing and wider organised crime.

“Our results so far are excellent and it demonstrates how, together, we are making Bedfordshire a hostile place for organised criminal networks to operate.

“Drugs are a catalyst for many crime types, with organised crime groups often driving much of the serious violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour which blights our communities.

“We work tirelessly to stop organised criminal networks running in and out of Bedfordshire, with proactive patrols and in-depth investigations, but we need support from our communities too.

“For these operations to happen and to have a positive impact, we need our residents to continue reporting their concerns and help us keep Bedfordshire safe.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing, county lines or child criminal exploitation can contact Bedfordshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.